Exhaust-capable pneumatic tool

Abstract

A pneumatic tool with exhaust capability includes a cylinder, an intake manifold for guiding compressed gas flow toward the cylinder, and a housing. The intake manifold defines an intake passage around an axis. The housing defines an exhaust passage around the intake manifold. The exhaust passage guides the compressed gas out of the cylinder and has an inlet adjacent to the cylinder, an outlet in the direction opposite to the inlet along the axis, and a diffusion zone located between the inlet and the outlet. The cross-sectional area of ​​the diffusion zone is larger than the cross-sectional areas of the intake passage and the inlet, but not smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet. The diffusion zone is configured to receive compressed gas that is diverted radially along the axis after passing through the inlet and before passing through the outlet. This reduces exhaust noise and back pressure generated by the compressed gas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pneumatic tool, and more particularly to a pneumatic tool capable of venting exhaust. Prior Technology

[0002] A known pneumatic tool disclosed in Republic of China Patent Publication No. 200940280 divides a grippable body into an air-guiding space and an exhaust space by a partition. The air-guiding space guides compressed gas into a cylinder. The exhaust space guides compressed gas out of the cylinder. Since the body cannot be expanded due to limitations in grip comfort, the exhaust space is configured to occupy only half the volume of the body.

[0003] However, because the exhaust volume of this exhaust space is small and the compressed gas flow rate is fast, in addition to generating noise, it is also easy to generate back pressure between the cylinder and the exhaust space, which affects the efficiency of outputting kinetic energy.

[0004] To overcome the aforementioned shortcomings, a known pneumatic tool, as disclosed in Republic of China Patent Certificate No. M510220, uses a silencing structure mounted on the tool body to eliminate noise. However, since the silencing structure is installed near the cylinder, when compressed gas enters the tool body from the cylinder, it is first blocked and slowed down by the silencing structure, resulting in greater back pressure.

[0005] Furthermore, a known pneumatic tool disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2001138267 can expand the exhaust space through an expansion chamber. However, before the compressed gas enters the expansion chamber, it first passes through a slit structure, where it is also blocked and slowed down, resulting in greater back pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic tool that can reduce exhaust noise and back pressure.

[0007] Therefore, the pneumatic tool of the present invention, which can vent air, includes a cylinder, an intake pipe, and a housing.

[0008] This cylinder is suitable for supplying compressed gas into and out of the cylinder and for converting the pressure of the compressed gas into kinetic energy.

[0009] The intake manifold defines an intake passage around an axis, the intake passage being adapted to guide the compressed gas from the outside towards the cylinder, and having a first cross-sectional area along a section perpendicular to the axis.

[0010] The housing includes a body portion that supports the cylinder and a grip portion that connects to the body portion and defines an exhaust passage surrounding the intake manifold. The exhaust passage surrounds the intake manifold and is adapted to guide the compressed gas from the cylinder to the outside. The exhaust passage has an inlet adjacent to the cylinder, an outlet in a direction opposite to the inlet along the axis, and a diffusion zone located between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet has a second cross-sectional area along a section perpendicular to the axis, the outlet has a third cross-sectional area along a section perpendicular to the axis that is larger than the second cross-sectional area, and the diffusion zone has a fourth cross-sectional area along a section perpendicular to the axis that is larger than the first cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area, and not smaller than the third cross-sectional area. The diffusion zone is configured to receive compressed gas that is diverted in a radial direction along the axis after the compressed gas passes through the inlet and before it passes through the outlet.

[0011] The advantages of this invention are: by increasing the volume of the diffusion zone and by using a special mechanism that allows the compressed gas to diffuse first and then be diverted along the radial direction of the axis, the exhaust noise and back pressure generated by the compressed gas are reduced. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0012] Other features and effects of the present invention will be clearly presented in the embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first embodiment of the pneumatic tool with exhaust capability according to the present invention; Figure 2 is an incomplete exploded perspective view of this embodiment; Figure 3 is an incomplete cross-sectional view of this embodiment; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional area of ​​this embodiment; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Figure 3; Figure 6 is an incomplete exploded perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the pneumatic tool with exhaust capability of the present invention; Figure 7 is an incomplete cross-sectional view of the second embodiment; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 7; Figure 9 is an incomplete exploded perspective view illustrating a third embodiment of the pneumatic tool with exhaust capability of the present invention; Figure 10 is an incomplete cross-sectional view of the third embodiment; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in Figure 10; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Figure 10; and Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in Figure 10. Implementation

[0013] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a first embodiment of the pneumatic tool with exhaust capability of the present invention includes a cylinder 1, an intake pipe 2, and a housing 3.

[0014] The cylinder 1 is suitable for supplying a compressed gas inlet and outlet and is capable of converting the pressure of the compressed gas into kinetic energy.

[0015] The intake manifold 2 defines an intake passage 20 around an axis X and has two opposite ends 21. The intake passage 20 is adapted to guide the compressed gas from the housing 3 toward the cylinder 1 and has a first cross-sectional area A1 (the area circled in solid circle as shown in Figure 4) along a section perpendicular to the axis X.

[0016] The housing 3 includes a body portion 31 that supports the cylinder 1, a grip portion 32 that connects to the body portion 31 and defines an exhaust passage 30 around the intake pipe 2, and a bottom cover 33.

[0017] Referring to Figures 1 and 3-5, the exhaust passage 30 surrounds the intake pipe 2 and is adapted to guide the compressed gas from the cylinder 1 towards the housing 3. The exhaust passage 30 has an inlet 301 adjacent to the cylinder 1, an outlet 302 in the direction opposite to the inlet 301 along the axis X, and a diffusion region 303 located between the inlet 301 and the outlet 302. The inlet 301 has a second cross-sectional area A2 along a section perpendicular to the axis X (the area circled in dashed form in Figure 4). The outlet 302 has a third cross-sectional area A3 along a section perpendicular to the axis X, which is larger than the second cross-sectional area A2 (the area circled in imaginary form in Figure 4). The diffusion region 303 has a fourth cross-sectional area A4 along a section perpendicular to the axis X, which is larger than the first cross-sectional area A1, the second cross-sectional area A2, and not smaller than the third cross-sectional area A3 (the area indicated by the diagonal lines in Figure 4).

[0018] It is worth noting that the first cross-sectional area A1 to the fourth cross-sectional area A4 may have different shapes depending on the part being cut, but this does not affect the order of the cross-sectional areas.

[0019] The diffusion zone 303 is further divided into a circulating flow path 303a that surrounds the intake pipe 2 and is not connected to the outer casing 3, and a direct flow path 303b that extends along the X-axis and forms between the inlet 301 and the outlet 302. The diffusion zone 303 is configured to receive compressed gas that is diverted in the radial direction along the X-axis after the compressed gas passes through the inlet 301 and before it passes through the outlet 302.

[0020] The grip portion 32 has an annular surface 321 adjacent to the inlet 301 and located above the diffuser region 303 along the X-axis. The annular surface 321 is in airtight contact with one of the ends 21 of the air intake pipe 2.

[0021] The bottom cover 33 defines several openings 331 that connect to the outlet 302, and an interface 332 that surrounds the axis X. The interface 332 is fitted onto the other end 21 of the air intake pipe 2.

[0022] When cylinder 1 receives compressed gas introduced through intake channel 20 and converts the pressure of the compressed gas into kinetic energy, exhaust channel 30 guides the compressed gas from cylinder 1 toward casing 3. At this time, the compressed gas first enters diffusion zone 303 through inlet 301. Since the volume of diffusion zone 303 is significantly larger than the volume of intake channel 20, and the fourth cross-sectional area A4 is larger than the second cross-sectional area A2 of inlet 301, the pressure of the compressed gas entering diffusion zone 303 decreases. Furthermore, during the diffusion of the compressed gas toward direct current path 303b and circulating path 303a, intake pipe 2 located in circulating path 303a diverts compressed gas flowing radially along axis X. This further reduces the pressure of the compressed gas in diffusion zone 303 and decreases the pressure acting on cylinder 1, thereby reducing back pressure.

[0023] Then, the diverted compressed gas flows along the outer surface of the intake manifold 2 from the circulating passage 303a to the direct current passage 303b, and then flows together with the compressed gas flowing along the direct current passage 303b to the outlet 302. Finally, the compressed gas is discharged from the outlet 302 through the openings 331 to the housing 3. Thus, the diffuser 303 is configured to collect the compressed gas diverted along the radial direction of the axis X after it passes through the inlet 301 and before it passes through the outlet 302. Because the flow velocity of the compressed gas has been significantly reduced, exhaust noise can be effectively reduced.

[0024] It is worth noting that the compressed gas is not limited to being discharged directly to the housing 3 through the opening 331. In other variations of this embodiment, a silencer (not shown) may also be installed at the opening 331. This further reduces noise.

[0025] Referring to Figures 6-8, a second embodiment of the pneumatic tool with exhaust capability of the present invention is shown. It is identical to the first embodiment, also including the cylinder 1, the intake pipe 2, and the housing 3. The difference is that the second embodiment also includes a muffler 4.

[0026] The muffler 4 is installed in the housing 3 and passes between the outlet 302 and the DC passage 303b. It includes a diverter plate 41 adjacent to the inlet 301 and a rear shunt 42 connected to the diverter plate 41 and adjacent to the outlet 302.

[0027] The guide plate 41 has an inclined surface 411 facing the inlet 301 and the intake pipe 2. The inclined surface 411 is used to guide the compressed gas entering the DC passage 303b from the inlet 301 to flow in the radial direction of the axis X to enter the circulating passage 303a.

[0028] The rear diverter 42 extends along the X-axis and defines a plurality of rear radial channels 421 extending in a radial direction along the X-axis and communicating with the diffusion region 303, and an axial channel 422 communicating with the outlet 302 and the rear radial channels 421 along the X-axis. The rear radial channels 421 are arranged along the X-axis.

[0029] When the compressed gas enters the diffusion zone 303 through the inlet 301, a portion of the compressed gas is also diverted by the intake pipe 2, while the other portion flows along the direct current path 303b toward the guide plate 41. At this time, the inclined surface 411 of the guide plate 41 guides the other portion of the compressed gas to flow along the radial direction of the axis X and enter the circulation path 303a. This causes the other portion of the compressed gas to be diverted by the intake pipe 2.

[0030] The compressed gas after being diverted will be diverted again by the rear diverter 42 before entering the direct current passage 303b, and will enter the axial passage 422 through the rear radial passage 421 in a direction perpendicular to the axis X via the circulating passage 303a. Finally, it will be discharged to the housing 3 through the outlet 302 and the openings 331.

[0031] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a third embodiment of the pneumatic tool with exhaust capability of the present invention is shown. It is identical to the second embodiment, also including the cylinder 1, the intake pipe 2, the housing 3, and the muffler 4. The difference lies in:

[0032] The muffler 4 also includes a front diverter 43 connected to the guide plate 41 and adjacent to the inlet 301. The front diverter 43 extends along the axis X and defines a plurality of front radial channels 431 extending in a radial direction along the axis X and communicating with the diffusion region 303. The front radial channels 431 are arranged along the axis X.

[0033] Referring to Figures 10-13, when the compressed gas enters the DC passage 303b of the diffusion zone 303 through the inlet 301, the pre-diverter 43 will divert the compressed gas for the first time before it enters the circulation path 303a. This diverts the compressed gas along the radial direction of the axis X from the DC passage 303b through the front radial channels 431 into the circulation path 303a, or it may be blocked by the guide plate 41 and enter the circulation path 303a from the DC passage 303b through the front radial channels 431 along the radial direction of the axis X from the inclined surface 411.

[0034] Then, the compressed gas, which has been diverted and enters the annular flow path 303a along the radial direction of the X-axis, is diverted a second time by the intake pipe 2 and flows along the outer surface of the intake pipe 2 from the annular flow path 303a along the radial direction of the X-axis towards the direct current path 303b. Then, the compressed gas is diverted a third time by the rear diverter 42 and flows along the radial direction of the X-axis from the annular flow path 303a through the rear radial channels 421 into the axial channel 422. Finally, it is discharged from the outlet 302 through the openings 331 to the outer casing 3.

[0035] Based on the above explanation, the advantages of the aforementioned embodiments can be summarized as follows:

[0036] 1. This invention, by increasing the volume of the diffusion zone 303 and employing a special mechanism that allows the compressed gas to diffuse first and then be diverted along the radial direction of the axis X, avoids back pressure caused by a decrease in the flow rate of the compressed gas. This invention can effectively reduce exhaust noise and back pressure generated by the compressed gas.

[0037] 2. Since the gripping part 32 is relatively long along the direction of the axis X, the rear radial channels 421 or the front radial channels 431 that extend along the radial direction of the axis X and are arranged along the direction of the axis X can not only greatly increase the flow rate of the compressed gas being diverted, but also further reduce exhaust noise and back pressure.

[0038] However, the above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of the patent application and the contents of the patent specification shall still fall within the scope of the patent of the present invention.

[0039] 1: Cylinder 2: Intake pipe fittings 20: Intake passage 21:End 3: Outer shell 30: Vent Channel 301: Entrance 302: Export 303: Diffusion Region 303a: Circular route 303b: DC path 31: Ontology part 32: Grip section 321: Torus 33: Bottom Cover 331: Opening 332: Interface 4: Muffler 41: Drainage plate 411: Incline 42: Rear splitter 421: Rear radial channel 422: Axial Channel 43: Pre-splitter 431: Front radial channel X: Axis A1: First cross-sectional area A2: Second cross-sectional area A3: Third cross-sectional area A4: Fourth cross-sectional area

Claims

1. A pneumatic tool with venting capability, comprising: a cylinder adapted to supply and discharge a compressed gas and capable of converting the pressure of the compressed gas into kinetic energy; an intake manifold defining an intake passage around an axis, the intake passage being adapted to guide the compressed gas from the outside toward the cylinder, and having a first cross-sectional area along a section perpendicular to the axis; and a housing including a body portion supporting the cylinder, and a grip portion connected to the body portion and defining an outlet passage around the intake manifold, the outlet passage surrounding the intake manifold and adapted to guide the compressed gas from the cylinder toward the outside, the outlet passage having an inlet adjacent to the cylinder and a section perpendicular to the axis. The inlet has an outlet, and a diffusion zone located between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet has a second cross-sectional area along a section perpendicular to the axis, the outlet has a third cross-sectional area along a section perpendicular to the axis that is larger than the second cross-sectional area, and the diffusion zone has a fourth cross-sectional area along a section perpendicular to the axis that is larger than the first cross-sectional area, the second cross-sectional area, and not smaller than the third cross-sectional area. The diffusion zone is configured to receive compressed gas that is diverted in the radial direction along the axis after the compressed gas passes through the inlet and before it passes through the outlet.

2. The ventable pneumatic tool as described in claim 1, wherein, The diffusion zone is further divided into a loop flow path that surrounds the intake pipe and is not connected to the outside, and a direct current path that extends along the axis and forms between the inlet and outlet.

3. The ventable pneumatic tool as described in claim 2, wherein, The intake manifold is used to divert the compressed gas within the diffusion zone, allowing the compressed gas to flow from the direct current path along the radial direction of the axis to the circulating path, or from the circulating path along the radial direction of the axis to the direct current path.

4. The ventable pneumatic tool as claimed in claim 2 further includes a muffler mounted on the housing and passing through the outlet and the DC passage.

5. The ventable pneumatic tool as described in claim 4, wherein, The muffler includes a deflector plate having an inclined surface facing the inlet and the intake manifold, the inclined surface being adapted to guide compressed gas entering the direct current path from the inlet toward the circulating path.

6. The ventable pneumatic tool as described in claim 5, wherein, The muffler also includes a rear diverter connected to the guide plate and adjacent to the outlet. The rear diverter extends along the direction of the axis and defines several rear radial channels extending in the radial direction along the axis and communicating with the diffusion region, and an axial channel communicating with the outlet and the rear radial channels along the direction of the axis. The rear radial channels are arranged along the direction of the axis. The rear diverter is used to divert the compressed gas before the compressed gas flows from the circulating path to the direct current path, so that the compressed gas enters the axial channel from the circulating path through the rear radial channels in the radial direction of the axis.

7. A pneumatic tool capable of venting as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein, The muffler also includes a front diverter connected to the drain plate and adjacent to the inlet. The front diverter extends along the direction of the axis and defines several front radial channels that extend along the radial direction of the axis and communicate with the diffusion area. The front radial channels are arranged along the direction of the axis. The front diverter is used to divert the compressed gas before it enters the circulation path, so that the compressed gas enters the circulation path from the DC passage through the front radial channels along the radial direction of the axis.

8. The ventable pneumatic tool as described in claim 7, wherein, The housing also includes a bottom cover connected to one end of the grip portion in the direction opposite to the body portion along the axis. The bottom cover defines an opening communicating with the outlet and an interface communicating with the circulation path, through which one end of the intake pipe is inserted.

9. The ventable pneumatic tool as described in claim 8, wherein, The grip has a raised rib that is adjacent to the inlet and spaced apart from the bottom cover along the axis. The raised rib is in airtight contact with the other end of the air intake pipe opposite to the bottom cover and is pressed against the front splitter.

Images